And perhaps these moments feel just that way – "ordinary". Especially those which we repeatedly do.

How do we make even these seemingly ordinary and daily moments come more fully to life?

The Adventures That Stimulate Our Lives

Stepping out of the comfort zone we're living in is such a powerful way to re-energize our senses. And in energizing our senses, even the most basic of daily routines can become new again.

The photo above, is of my wife, Lora – just before she headed out on the track at the Milwaukee Mile to race in a stock car (a very awesome and cool experience!). In early June, she completed twelve laps in the Home Depot #20 car – being able to feel the exhilaration of racing, of speed, of cornering, of getting outside of the norm.

Being outside of the norm, this moment in itself was filled with much excitement and with the sense of doing something new.

It's so much more than that, though.

This moment is just that – a moment in time of this life we are living.

…just a moment…

Perhaps, though, that moment is one which somehow changes us. See, we are not the same person we were. We've had this experience (whatever that is). And from that experience, if we choose to let it be not just the experience itself, but something more…

…something more…

The experience of being alive, of being in that moment – of feeling (really feeling) a sense of connectedness to self, to possibility, to "being".

What Can Be

Then maybe, just maybe, we can be more fully in the simplest of moments in our lives.

Aware of the textures of the foods we eat, the feeling the grass between our toes, the watching of the stars and feeling like part of something so much bigger….

This experience of being alive, of not just going through the motions…it is possible. And it does not have to be just one-time flirts with experiences. It is possible even in the simple moments of our days. It is, when we choose to honor the self within and experience the moment.

Experience the Moment

This is a tough one. Oh, maybe in those exhilarating moments (like the race car), we are in that moment. What about all of our moments, though?

It would be a lie for me to say that I'm really (and fully) experiencing every moment of my days. And I'm sure it's that way for you, too.

We get rushed. We get distracted. We zone out. And many more. Many more things which keep us from being fully alive to the experience of the moment.

So, this is not something that we're going to wave a magic wand at, and suddenly we'll be so alive in every moment. (hmmm…doesn't work that way, I guess)

Small steps. Small steps in the direction of being more fully awakened to the moments of your day.

The Challenge

Pick something. It can be anything really – as long as it's a regular part of your life. Breakfast could be a good one. Or brushing your teeth. Or driving to work. Something you do regularly.

Okay – now actively choose to be more aware during whatever thing you have chosen.

Aware of the sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes, the feel – really, all that can be in that moment.

And in this awareness, let that feeling of being in that experience (as simple as it might seem) awaken you even more fully to the experience of living this life of yours.

Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he's not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
Sign up for the Thoughts from the Treehouse newsletter and get additional inspiration in your email inbox!

I love this invitation to be fully alive in the present moment! The special exhilarating moments are typically few and far between. I agree fully with the aspiration to make every single moment come alive.

Wow that looks like fun! I’d like to do that. You just reminded me of the Lime Rock, Conn. experience near us my husband and I could do.

Love these lines, “Aware of the textures of the foods we eat, the feeling the grass between our toes, the watching of the stars and feeling like part of something so much bigger….”

Life gets lost in the sleepwalking sameness, where we feel safe. I try to get out of there as much as possible. As you point out, each day presents many opportunities to do that. Ones that usually get ignored. Then folks get to the ends of their lives and wish they had lived more fully and dangerously.

I know we enter the world little adventurers – that feeling of aliveness conflicts with the consumer model – it’s really an economic issue. Until we change our economic model to something more healthy, our schools will keep churning out non-adventurers. Graduation speeches crack me up. It’s the first and usually last time, you here that “reach for the stars, you can do it” talk. Why don’t they say that when you get there and reinforce it throughout high school and/or college?

They can’t — it conflicts with having complete control over us. Did I digress here?

Giulietta,
There were very limited days for doing this experience here in Milwaukee – and it would have been easy to have let it pass. And the thing is – had it came and went and we weren’t there, life would surely have gone on. Having the opportunity, though, to experience this – as with anything that takes us out of the norm of our days – it creates an opportunity to grow in new ways. And that is so worth it!

I love that term “little adventurers”!!! I’m also reminded of a movie I really love as I read this – “Toy Story” – and how Buzz is all about “reaching for the stars”. And it also reminds me about using our imaginations, and letting ideas come and grow in us…as we DO reach for the stars.

So, I’m thinking you’re onto something with this whole “reach for the stars” message! How can we share this concept with even more people (and not only share the idea, but really develop the belief that it IS possible)?

Giulietta, you always make me think more deeply – and I am so, so grateful for that (and for your presence).

Justin,
Yes – getting out of our routine really helps to keep things fresh in our lives. Couple that with really “being” in our more mundane moments, and life is just filled with so, so much possibility.

It is so much easier to appreciate and be present in those special moments of our lives.
It is difficult to find gratitude for the mundane. Maybe this is why we choose to go through those without awareness, just wishing for them to pass.
I wonder if it is not all about finding meaning in anything we do, even boring, everyday tasks.
I for one, have a lot of trouble with that.Ewa´s Last Fabulous Post ..Fathers Day

Ewa,
Yes, those moments that are special have a way of bringing our presence, as well. Now, getting that in the more common daily activities – this really does take diligence on our part. It’s so easy to just go about the daily of our lives, not even really thinking about it (let alone being fully in that moment).

The meaning in the tasks we do – that’s a great way to focus on these moments. And it is, because when we do this, we are for one – more aware of that moment and the “why” behind doing it.

I know what you mean, Ewa – and I’m sure many, many more can fully relate to having trouble with this, also. For me – it’s choosing moments in each day and really focusing on them (a small percentage of my day – but still is step into more fully connecting with me)…

Hey Lance, this is great!!!! We can make the “mundane” an adventure – it’s all our choice isn’t it? I have to say I love adventure (tho not necessary to drive race cars to find it! ha!) This post sure reminds us all about being present and loving the moment. You’re the greatest example of that! LOVE ya!
hugs
suZen

Whoa is that the coolest thing ever!!! I have always wanted to try a race car on a track. There is something in me to do something like this too… first off I LOVE driving and I love the thrill of the track and the ability to really push the car’s limits.

I am thrilled for Lora and so cool to learn this about her – I love how these little things surprise us that we would perhaps never think someone else would be into. Thanks for attaching the cute video clip too!

So yes, living life in the moment, living life past the challenges, and accepting each one as a gift of growth!

Evita,
It was way super cool!!! (and I wasn’t even in the car!!) And it was so fun to hang out with my kids and listen to their commentary as Lora zoomed around the track (most of that commentary involved the words “go faster”!!!).

Have fun in Maine!! It’s a beautiful place to visit! (and now…I’m missing it!!)

Excellent post, thank you for sharing. It really hits close to my heart. As I get older, I’m realizing that things are becoming less important and experiences are becoming more important. Thank you for sharing your wife’s very cool moment and I’m sure it meant a lot to her that you were there watching. Great thoughts on a very important subject! Have a great Father’s Day!Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Happy Bloomsday!

Hi Lance,
How cool is Lora!??! I used to do a mantra during my morning meditation. I’ve recently changed it to setting my intention for the day…I decide to put more joy and love in my daily life. I’ve also adopted the word ‘soften.’ Hubs loves it! Southwest has wi-fi now so this is my first comment the air! LOLTess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..You’re Invited- To Change the World

Lance, you caught me! I was eating a bowl of cereal and am going to put the laptop away for a few moments and savor what I’m doing. I distract myself easily and naturally, but I know that when I’m more mindful, life really does seem to come ALIVE!
Wait, before I put the laptop away, I need to watch that video of Lora… !

Hi Lance — thanks for this — it’s amazing, I think, that when we can learn to enjoy the simple, “mundane” moments of life, joy becomes so easily available and is no longer something that we have to constantly chase after by making more money, taking a Caribbean vacation, dating the “hottest” girl or guy, etc.

As funny as it sounds –and as much as I get made fun of for it– I always attribute Adam Sandler’s movie Click for helping me remember to be more in the moment. We can get so caught up on autopilot doing all those things which really require no thought anymore, so life passes us by in teenie increments, which is really all we have anyway, and we’re on autopilot!Delena Silverfox´s Last Fabulous Post ..Fashion-Conscience Discount Code

Delena,
Well, just that word “Click” is a great reminder to “click on” our senses! So – I think it makes a whole lot of sense! Thanks so much for sharing what works for you – it has me thinking about this whole concept of turning on my own senses more fully…

Hi Lance,
Life is a series of “prescious now” moments, like a movie slowed down to frame by frame. I had a number of them yesterday enjoying my first boat trip on the Brisbane River getting a different perspective of the city (from water instead of land). I’m sure that your wife would have been thrilled with her “ride”, it must be an awesome experience.
Great post Lance. Being aware of our moments & embracing them, I feel makes Life special. Also some or many, of our seemingly ‘ordinary’ moments may be very special moments for others less fortunate.
be good to yourself
DavidDavid Stevens´s Last Fabulous Post ..Say Yes more often

David,
Perspective – that’s such a great word to use here! And it is, because when we shift our perspective (like you on the river or Lora in the race car) – we see things in a new light. And that’s such a great way for us to move forward in our lives (should we choose to do that).

Love it- How are you choosing to live? More than the work you do, more than the things you have – what are the experiences in your life that make you feel fully alive?

Well today i am choosing to listen to that small quiet voice inside more and follow my inner guidance so this will be empowering for me and in turn you and others- I am also embracing the idea that what i do is fun 🙂
Love
SuzieSuzie Cheel´s Last Fabulous Post ..Color Prescription 2- Orange

Hi Lance,
First of all, you have a bad a** wife!
Second, thank so much for the reminder to be fully present in the moment. It’s something we all know to do, and we all regularly forget. I’m sipping my morning smoothie as I read and write this, and I’m suddenly so aware of the texture, the taste, and even the morning sounds coming in from outside. And just like that I’m present. Thank you!!! I’m putting up a post it to remind myself to do this more often. 🙂

Our senses are such a part of us…and yet, it’s way too easy to ignore them, especially in those things which we repeatedly do. So that’s it!! It’s about being more aware, and just noticing all that’s there in the moment (like your wonderful smoothie). Mmmm…and now I’m thirsty, for some reason!!!

What a thrill! I’ve taken F-1 race lessons myself but can attest none of those thrills compares to deeply understanding the wonderous nature of our daily lives. My greatest thrill is experiencing awareness while going for a walk with my parrot, Shakespeare on my shoulder. I love your challenge today Lance, indeed we can find that same ecstasy when doing the dishes.

Rob,
It was a thrill!! (and I didn’t even race!) And your F-1 race lessons sound exactly the same – very cool!!

And yet, beyond all of this – we have many more moments of events in our life that are much more regular. Are we aware in these moments? (just like your walks with Shakespeare) When we are – even just so slightly – we more into a deeper appreciation for this thing called life…

This is such a great post as always!!! One thing I have learned with time & age, those moments we thought as ordinary are from from ordinary… They are some of the most important moments in your life. Do not take anything & especially family for granted!Jody – Fit at 53´s Last Fabulous Post ..Gratitude Monday

This post really makes you consider each moment and become more aware. I’ve been contempleting the passing moments quite often lately. It’s nice to slow down and really savor them. They go too , too fast (like Lora! HA).Angelia Sims Hardy´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Square Root of Father’s Day

Lora is SO COOL. I love that you have video, too. Life is all about experiences and just being in them. Sometimes I even think stopping to take pictures ruins the moment…the memories are best left in my mind and my body. I think adventures like this (or whatever adventure means to you) is what gives us confidence. To believe in ourselves and our abilities. especially with a little support from friends, family and professionals (when needed!)

And that’s so true – adventures (however we define that in our life) help to give us confidence in ourselves and in our possibilities. And from that, there’s this extra added potential to step out there and live a bit more, from knowing what we have done…

When I first saw the picture, I thought it was your wife, then I said, “no, that is a professional race car driver”! Turns out it is her, she is obviously getting professional at living the dream. You two are very blessed to be a part of each others amazing adventure! Blessings to you both!Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..New Blog Home

I haven’t left a lot of comments but I had to on this one. I am so jealous, Lance… what an incredible opportunity, story, experience. My wife took a dive out of an airplane just a few short years ago and it is something that defines a moment in her life. As I say, there’s no better way to live than to create a memory in every moment that can be cherished for a lifetime. Amazing…Darren Sproat´s Last Fabulous Post ..Then Life Happens Inspired Artwork

Darren,
This was a very cool experience for Lora…and for my kids and I just watching – such a great experience too!

And both Lora and I went skydiving a few years ago – also one of those moments that had a big impact. I remember being on the edge, ready to step out of that plane (okay – if that wasn’t one of the most difficult thing I did…). And had I not taken that step, I would have missed out on something so, so freeing, so spectacular, so awesome. So – very, very awesome – what your wife did!

Wow! I think Joey Logano should be scared for his job 🙂 That’s such a cool experience, I would love to do that someday.

Such a good message behind this post. It’s easy to be present in the unusual experience, but being able to find presence and contentment and joy in the ‘ordinary’ has so much power.Andrew Olson´s Last Fabulous Post ..7 Ways to Shed Cynicism for Good

Oh my, you have an adventurous spirit in your household. Good on Lora! And what a wonderful role model for the kids (and neighborhood).

Although some of us live a more stayed life than driving a fast car, I really appreciate your reminder of awakening the moment. Whether it be the distant sound a small plane, the sensation of the shower, the palpable tenderness in a conversation, or the taste of fresh collards, each moment truly is a gift when we are awake at the wheel.

Susie,
Yep…Lora is a great role model! (although we DON’T let her drive like that through the neighborhood!!!)

And that’s it – it is really the how we are experiencing each of the moments f our days. Because the moments that make up our life – so, so many of them are seemingly ordinary moments (although, maybe we should really view each moment as extraordinary…). And being really in these moments, there is so much power to really live….

Wonderful, thank you for sharing this with us Lance. We do forget to enjoy the moment. When it comes to brushing our teeth we should stop and enjoy it. What if we where in a country that they can’t brush there teeth like we can. Enjoy the moment and appreciate with gratitude.
Thank you for the wonderful reminder. Life is wonderful when we enjoy our moments.
Blessing,
Debbie

Debbie,
That’s such a great point – it becomes easy to take for granted some of these things that are part of our daily life. And yet, without them (like toothpaste!) life could definitely be much more challenging.

Your wifey’s so cool! 🙂 Those are the things that actually make me feel alive – being in some adventure. I’m craving for one these days. I think I have to try what you said so that I won’t feel disappointed that I’m stuck at work.

Hi Calli,
It was such a cool experience!!! (and I was only an observer!)

There’s something about adventure, and how it heightens our senses (it sure does for me). Even when we’re not off on some big adventure, though, it still IS possible to really be in our moments…when we focus on being aware (easier said than done!!).

You said, “It would be a lie for me to say that I’m really (and fully) experiencing every moment of my days. And I’m sure it’s that way for you, too. ” I like that. It’s the truth. It’s sometimes not easy because there can be conflicting demands. However, each moment is a choice. I try my best to make a conscious choice on how I spend my time.

Hello Lance, thanks for reminding us that we are never the same with every experience we have. We do change with the things that happen to us, especially when we’re fully aware of the experience of the moment. Life is this very moment we experience! We’re so blessed to be able to appreciate it and to share it with those we love the most. 😉

…and it really comes down to the choices we are making in the moments that are our life… When we choose to be more fully aware of each moment, these moments (as simple or complex as they are) become more meaningful and connected to us.

I admire her! You’re one lucky guy to have a wife who can drive faster than most men I know lol! Thanks for the inspirational message Lance. Life is indeed a series of an adventure and every little thing we go through each day is part of whole journey. Such a nice message 🙂

Adding diversity even to “ordinary” activities can really add a lot of spice to your life when done right. Simple experiments – like trying a new dish/food every now and then, or exploring a little beyond your music/movies tastes can be incredibly rewarding. It always leaves me with a new-found appreciation for life.

Steven,
Yes!! Just adding some diversity to our daily activities can be so enlightening. And it can be as simple or as grand as we choose – all of these experiences shape who we are and how we view life…

WOW! Watch Lora go! Hopefully seh doesn’t drive that fast around town! LOL
What a great example of seizing the moment and being present in it! Isn’t so easy to adopt a “life of anticipation”. A life where we think only of what is to come, instead of what IS. Great lesson here Lance and delivered with such a good spirit. 🙂

And – I love that – being with “what is” instead of only thinking about what “is to come”. While there is something to anticipating that which we see coming, there’s something also very special about being in the moments that are our life…

“Experience” has been a live in me this week (hence my post yesterday)!

What a cool experience your wife got to take part in. I’m sure it changed her life in some aspect.

I consider myself to be a student of life. I rarely get board because I’m a researcher (of many things) and I love doing stuff and learning the lesson from it. Everything has a lesson, even things that go bad. Keeping this in mind allows me to live within my perspective. Allows me, for the most part, to be in a great mood and happy.

Ah, Lance, another fantastic post – and very close to my heart this one. It’s lovely to see a pic of your gorgeous wife about to hit the track! Dave will fully approve, with his 10 years of pro superbike racing, not to mention all the other adventures. Living in the moment and taking risks is a way of life for him. So much so that people have often asked how I cope, but exactly as you say: it’s a Gift! Nothing can be more precious than actually Living and never taking a second for granted. Thanks for shining, Lance – you’re a star 😀

It is amazing how quickly life can zoom by without us even noticing it. I love this post, Lance. It reminds me to slow down, to savor, to *experience* life. I did a sensory exploration a couple of years ago where each day I would focus on one sense and journal about what I experienced. It was an amazing experience in awareness and presence, in actually paying attention and registering the stimulus signals my senses were picking up. I love how you tied the senses into this post – they really do help us stay present if we just pay attention to them. Beautifully written!

Andrea,
We (two of my kids and I) were looking at family pictures (and videos) from a few years back – wow, how time DOES fly! It seemed like only yesterday they were that little – and today, they are teenagers…

And I just kept thinking – what wonderful memories (did I fully appreciate that, in those moments, though??).

Your sensory exploration sounds so, so fascinating – and it also reminds me of a leadership workshop I attended a couple of years ago (complete with yoga mats and boxes of Kleenex). We did one particular breathing exercise (this workshop was so, so different than anything I’ve attended before…and so, so meaningful for me) and afterward, as we ate our lunch – I could not get over how fully I noticed the tastes and textures of that meal (it was such an amazing experience).

So, thank YOU for sharing about this sensory experience you had – it brings up such wonderful memories for me…

Lance… I’m only just catching up here now after a couple of extraordinary weeks… doing something totally exhilerating for me [an intensive subject at University] 8 incredible days jam packed with 13 weeks worth of curriculum. It was intense [to say the least!] And I got to savour every moment because there simply wasn’t one to spare!

Loved this post. Tell Lora I think she’s incredible. I love racing too… [no seriously] I used to race my little Austin Healy Sprite in lap dashes and hill climbs and was lucky enough a couple of times to take out the ladies hillclimb championship. Life is nothing unless we are extending ourselves and making it happen.

Lance, this is exactly the mindset that I’m still missing. All work and no play has made Nick a dull boy…ha. Seriously though, I think we can all use your great advice – really appreciate the small moments and the simple things in life. Live in the moment, right?Nick W´s Last Fabulous Post ..The House Attempts To Stop The EPA On Water Pollution Issues

I guess once you overcome the fear of failure, everything becomes an opportunity 🙂 that’s what is stopping most people from achieving more – being afraid to change what currently work into something that might work better.Sheila´s Last Fabulous Post ..Dating for Introverts